Barkley set to exit Everton in search of new challenge

Midfielder Ross Barkley’s Everton career is over after he told manager Ronald Koeman he wants a new challenge.

Barkley, who has less than a year remaining on his current deal, has subsequently told Koeman he wants to move to another club and the manager’s response was blunt. Asked whether Barkley would leave the Dutchman said: “Yes, 100 per cent.

“We made a good offer to him to sign a new contract, he declined that contract and told me that he is looking for a new challenge.

“It is not (an) Everton future any more, it is his decision, I need to respect that. My priority is not Ross, with respect, it is his decision. I look more to other players. I knew (this) at the end of the season.”

Tottenham were linked with a move for Barkley, although their interest appears to have cooled after reports he wanted £150,000 per week, with speculation also claiming Manchester United and Arsenal have considered the midfielder.

However, at the moment his options look limited after Koeman said there were not any realistic offers on the table and he was prepared to allow Barkley to run down his contract if necessary.

That presents the midfielder with a potential prospect of not having any game time in a season leading up to a World Cup.

“What I heard from the board is there is not really an offer on the table for Ross,” added Koeman.

“It is really clear, I am looking to other players and that is my priority and not Ross, with respect.”

Barkley, having had surgery on a minor groin problem, will be out for possibly the next month.

However, he will be expected to return to training as normal when he has recovered andkoe man has no plans to isolate him.

“He had his groin surgery last week and normally it takes three to four weeks before he is back,” he added.“if he is back after his surgery, after the injury, and back for training he will be part of firstteam sessions.”